In the world of military aviation, fighter jets reign supreme. They are the epitome of power, agility, and technological advancement.
Top 10 Fighter Jets of The World
In the world of military aviation, fighter jets reign supreme. They are the epitome of power, agility, and technological advancement. As countries strive to maintain an edge over their adversaries, they invest in state-of-the-art fighter aircraft that can perform a multitude of roles.
Sukhoi Su-35S
The Sukhoi Su-35S, an ultimate version of the celebrated Su-27 platform, is a Russian fighter jet that boasts remarkable capabilities. Based on the Su-27, along with its Chinese counterpart, the Shenyang J-16, the Su-35S offers 4.5 generation capabilities. With advanced electronics systems and numerous improvements to the fuselage, the Su-35S stands out among its variants.
Engine type: Saturn AL-31
Top speed: 2,778 km/h
Length: 22 m
Range: 3,600 km
Manufacturers: Sukhoi, United Aircraft Corporation,
Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon, as its name suggests, was designed as a joint European fighter jet. It has garnered attention from air forces across the continent and the Middle East, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The Typhoon stands as one of the most advanced and powerful 4th generation jets, with the latest variant, Tranche 3, employing cutting-edge technologies.
Top speed: 2,495 km/h
Engine types: Turbofan, Eurojet EJ200
Manufacturers: Eurofighter GmbH, BAE Systems,
Airbus, Alenia Aermacchi, DASA
Range: 2,900 km
Cruise speed: 1,838 km/h
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale, similar to the Eurofighter Typhoon, was initially developed as part of a joint program. However, France decided to create a separate fighter jet to meet its specific requirements. Unlike the Typhoon, the Rafale has a variant that can land on an aircraft carrier and is certified to carry air-launched nuclear weapons.
Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation
Top speed: 1,912 km/h
Engine types: Snecma M88, Turbofan
Range: 3,700 km
Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
The Boeing F-15 Eagle, one of the first 4th generation fighter jets, continues to impress even as it celebrates its 52nd birthday in 2024. It holds an unparalleled record of over 100 air-to-air kills with no losses. Continuous upgrades have ensured that the F-15 remains a potent war machine.
Introduction: July 2024 (F-15EX, planned)
Manufacturer: Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Produced: 2011–present (Advanced Eagle)
Developed from: McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
Number built: 126 (all Advanced Eagles); 6 (F-15EX)
Role: Multirole strike fighter
Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon
China’s Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon project, introduced over a decade ago, is nearing fruition as a new carrier-based jet. Though yet to be unveiled, recent images have revealed intriguing upgrades, including redesigned engine housing and a new canopy.
Engine type: Klimov RD-93
Top speed: 2,200 km/h
Manufacturers: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation,
Aviation Industry Corporation of China
Sukhoi Su-57
Sukhoi Su-57 Felon represents Russia’s first foray into stealth aircraft. While its development faced challenges and delays, the Su-57 possesses unique characteristics that set it apart. Low-speed maneuverability, stealth features, and advanced radar systems make the Su-57 a formidable heavy fighter.
Designer: Sukhoi
Top speed: 2,130 km/h
Manufacturers: United Aircraft Corporation,
Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant
Engine type: Turbofan
Weight: 18,500 kg
KAI KF-21 Boramae
KAI KF-21 Boramae, a collaboration between South Korea and Indonesia, signifies a significant leap forward for the Korean aerospace industry. This fighter jet incorporates stealth features, an advanced AESA radar system, and tech based on the F-35, making it a promising 4.5 to 5th-generation fighter.
Manufacturers: Korea Aerospace Industries,
Lockheed Martin, Indonesian Aerospace
First flight: 19 July 2022
Introduced: 2026
Design group: Agency for Defense Development
National origin: South Korea
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor holds the distinction of being the first 5th generation fighter jet to enter service. With its stealth features and thrust-vectoring engines, the F-22 excels in both close-range dogfighting and beyond-visual-range combat. The United States Air Force (USAF) exclusively operates the F-22 due to its advanced capabilities.
Top speed: 2,414 km/h
Engine types: Turbofan, Pratt & Whitney F119
Manufacturers: Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense,
Space & Security, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Range: 3,000 km
Wingspan: 14 m
Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
China’s Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, introduced in 2017, is the country’s first 5th generation fighter jet. Designed to rival the F-22 and Su-57, the J-20 showcases advanced avionics and a stealthy design. While it may lack thrust-vectored engine exhausts, the J-20’s stealth features are incredibly advanced.
Top speed: 2,126 km/h
Engine types: Xian WS-15, Turbofan
Manufacturer: Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group
Weight: 17,000 kg
National origin: China
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stands as the pinnacle of fifth-generation fighter development, embodying the latest advancements in combat aircraft. With unmatched stealth features, sensor fusion, and the world’s most powerful fighter engine, the F-35 sets new standards in aerial warfare.
Length: 15.47 m
Wingspan: 10.05 m
Height: 4.36 m (F-35B), 4.48 m (F-35C)
Maximum speed: 1 931 km/h
Service ceiling: 18.3 km
Range : 1666 – 2 200 km
Combat radius: 830 – 1 100 km
